Tough task: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik will feature in their second Olympics appearance in Paris next month.
PETALING JAYA: Shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are optimistic that the future of the men’s doubles in Malaysia is safe thanks to the emergence of several promising pairs.
While world No. 5 Aaron-Wooi Yik are still the undisputed No. 1 in the country, they know that there are capable pairs, with continuous improvement, will be ready to take over from them.
And the pair are encouraged to see the progress of their juniors such as world No. 20 Choong Hon Jian-Mohd Haikal Nazri, world No. 34 Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing (No. 83) and believe one of them can shoulder the responsibility of being the country’s top duo in the future.
“It’s good that there are many back-up pairs coming for us as Wooi Yik and I are not too young anymore,” said the 27-year-old Aaron, who is a year older than Wooi Yik.
“We hope one day they can become national No. 1. Every pair is different and need to forge their own path. Possibly, they can surpass us in the future and achieve their own glory.
“For now, having more pairs in higher tier tournaments is also helpful for us as it eases the pressure on us.”
Besides, Aaron-Wooi Yik and Hon Jian-Haikal, Malaysia also have world No. 13 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, world No. 16 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and independent pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (No. 18), who are in the world’s top 32 and eligible to compete in World Tour Super 750 and 1000 competitions.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin and Wei Chong-Kai Wun have stepped up to the plate recently after finishing runners up in the Asian Championships in April and Indonesian Open earlier this month and reduced the over reliance on Aaron-Wooi Yik in the process.
The other pairs though still have some catching up to work with Aaron-Wooi Yik, who are preparing to compete in the Paris Olympics next month.
The duo will be making their second appearance in the Olympics after winning bronze in their debut in Tokyo and will be Malaysia’s best bet for a medal again.
